YellowHammer Film Festival was a chart-topper

The fifth consecutive year of the YellowHammer Film Festival was a chart-topper, becoming the first year the competition has been an international affair, with record breaking attendance.  

According to Assistant Chair of Art and Design Chris Stagl, this year’s film festival was extremely successful. 

“It was a phenomenal day,” Stagl said. “I would say, perhaps, one of our most successful YellowHammers yet.  

“We had a record-breaking audience, both in person and online. We showed over 40 films. We awarded over 40 high school and college films from over around the globe.” 

Stagl said this is the first year YellowHammer was an international film festival, and they incorporated a brand-new international division. 

Tiffany Belda, assistant professor of design, and Dr. Kelly Suero, chair of the Department of world languages and cultures, judged the competition.  

“It was an honor to serve as a judge for the YellowHammer Film Festival, especially during the year the international division was introduced,” Suero said. “I was inspired by the creativity and global perspectives represented in the submissions.  

“I think it’s wonderful that Troy University is expanding this festival to include international voices. It reflects our university’s global mission and reinforces the idea that art transcends borders. Being part of this event reminded me why I love teaching film in the classroom: it encourages empathy, creativity and dialogue, which are at the heart of both language learning and filmmaking.” 

Suero shared her favorite part of judging the competition. 

“One of my favorite parts was experiencing such a wide range of stories, styles and voices from around the world,” Suero said. “Film is universal, yet deeply personal, and it was fascinating to see how filmmakers approached similar themes (identity, resilience, connection, etc.) through different cultural lenses.  

“I loved seeing that intersection of art and human experience come alive through film.” 

This is Belda’s second year serving as a judge for YellowHammer. 

“It's always an honor,” Belda said. “The festival has quickly built a reputation for its high standards and for championing emerging voices in film.  

“Being part of that process and seeing creativity expressed through so many unique lenses is truly inspiring. It’s exciting to see a festival like YellowHammer giving a platform to new voices and perspectives. The event is proof that ingenuity, creativity and passion, when rooted in our shared humanity, can transcend boundaries and connect us all through storytelling.” 

The festival began with words and teachings from several speakers, including Academy Award Nominee Ty Primosch from Netflix Animation Studios; KJ Mathieson, Animation Professor from UCF; Award-Winning Filmmaker, Phynley Joel and the Keynote Speaker, Award-Winning Editor, Chloe Scrushy. 

This was followed by the film and animation showcase, and finally, the awards ceremony. 

Stuart Blake, a May 2025 Troy graduate, won two awards and placed in the top 10 for the college division.  

“It was amazing to see my work on the big screen,” Blake said. “There’s nothing quite like seeing something you poured heart and passion into being shown in front of an audience. 

“It’s both exhilarating and emotional at the same time.” 

Blake is grateful for his time at Troy, and attributes it to his professional success.

“Troy has given me so many opportunities to express myself through my work and even win awards for it,” Blake said. “I’ve been able to closely work with professors to develop award-winning work. 

“Through Troy’s program I have been able to excel and learn all there is to learn about filmmaking and video production.” 

Recently, Blake was hired at Sinclair Broadcast Group at ABC 33/40 in Birmingham, Alabama, as their content creator. 

“I plan to use everything I learned at Troy to excel in my career and my current job at ABC 33/40,” Blake said. “Troy has time and time again given me the resources to be successful. 

“I will use everything that my professors have taught me in my career at Troy to be an excellent creative and an excellent person.” 

All students interested in filmmaking are encouraged to try it. 

“Start now, with whatever tools you have,” Belda said. “Great filmmaking isn’t about equipment or budget or even getting it perfect, it’s about curiosity, empathy and persistence. 

“The best stories are grounded in observation and honesty, and today’s technology makes it easier than ever to share them.” 

Suero shared a similar sentiment. 

“Just start,” Suero said. “Your story matters, and you don’t need a massive budget or fancy equipment to tell it, just a strong idea and the will to express it.  

“Watch films from around the world, study how stories are told across cultures, and don’t be afraid to let your background or identity shape your art. Film is a bridge between cultures, and the more diverse the voices, the richer the conversation becomes.” 

Stagl encourages students to participate in the YellowHammer Film Festival and the YellowHammer 48 Hour Film Competition. He also says students who are interested can sign up for the photo and video minor that they offer on campus where students can learn both photography and video techniques from world-famous photographer Will Jacks.  

Any questions can be directed to Chris Stagl at cstagl@troy.edu.